Diffusive flux of zinc in soil samples as a function of texture, counter ion and soil pHThe diffusive flux (diffusion) is the main form of zinc transport in soil, due to its low concentration in solution. This work aimed to evaluate the diffusion of Zn in samples of three soil types: a loamy texture Dark-Red Latosol (LE), a medium texture Red-Yellow Podzolic (PV), and a sandy texture Red-Yellow Latosol (LV). The diffusion was assessed in samples with the natural pH for the three soil samples and at pH 5.40 for the LE and 6.00 for the PV. Three sources of Zn (ZnCl2, ZnEDTA and ZnSO4) at the rates of 0, 20 and 40 mg dm-3 of Zn were tested. The experimental units were constituted of 400 cm³ of soil placed in PVC rings, 10 cm of diameter and 5 cm high. At the depth of 2.5 cm, a slide of a strong acid exchange cation resin (CR61CZR IONICS, INC.)as a sink for Zn, with the dimensions of 2.0 x 5.0 cm was set. The soil samples were moistened to the field capacity and incubated for 15 days. Then, the resin slides were removed and submitted to the extraction of Zn. Soil pH was an important factor controlling Zn diffusion, which decreased with pH increase. In general, Zn diffusive flux was lower with the increase of the soil clay content. The diffusive flux of Zn was greater in the three soils, when the source was ZnCl2.
diffusion; sources of zinc; acidity; resin